Santas in blue: Phoenix police take kids shopping
Dec 18, 2012, 11:17 AM | Updated: 11:22 am
PHOENIX — Some Phoenix police officers flexed their shopping muscles Tuesday morning with grateful schoolkids.
More than 100 officers and 62 children gathered at the Christown mall Target for the second “Shop With a Cop” event. The kids, from Phoenix and Tucson, get $200 apiece to spend on gifts.
“Income-wise, economy-wise, (the families) may struggle a little bit, and we just want to ensure that these kids enjoy a great Christmas season like everybody else,” said Phoenix Police spokesman James Holmes.
The kids also get breakfast and a visit with Santa.
“They’re good kids. They don’t shop for themselves, they shop for their families, they make sure their siblings get something out of this,” Holmes said.
More often than not, the kids ignore toys.
“They buy clothing, ornaments for their Christmas trees, they get things for their parents. Last year, one kid bought an ornament that had his mom’s name on it and he cried.”
Ariana, 11, spent most of her allotment on gifts for the baby sister who is due next month.
“I look forward to this day,” Holmes said with a smile.
